September MEP Update Meeting

Request for Information: M-TAC

DOD Commits $140 Million to Establish Two Manufacturing Innovation Institutes

Federal Business Opportunity: Supply Chain Analysis

Help MSSC Update Its National Production Standards

Green Suppliers Network is Moving

What's Happening Around MEP

MEP in the NEWS

Calendar of Events

Make it in America Manufacturer of the Week!

View eblast from July 3, 2013

MEP will be hosting its fall update meeting in Portland, Oregon this September. The meeting will be held September 18-19 at the Red Lion Hotel on the River. MEP registration site and hotel room block will be setup shortly. The registration for this meeting will be $290/person. More information to will become available in the coming weeks.

Hotel information
Red Lion On The River
909 N Hayden Island Drive
Portland, OR, 97217
503-283-4466

If you have any questions, please contact Kari Reidy at kari.reidy@nist.gov or 301-975-4919.

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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released a request for information (RFI) to interested parties to comment on NIST’s planning for a Federal Funding Opportunity (FFO), anticipated in fiscal year 2014 (FY14), that will competitively fund a select number of new Manufacturing Technology Acceleration Centers (M-TACs).

The M-TACs will focus on addressing the technical and business challenges encountered by small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers as they attempt to integrate, adopt, transition, and commercialize both existing and emerging product and process technologies into their operations to help them grow and compete within manufacturing supply chains as innovative, value-adding components of our nation’s economy. M-TACs will amplify the effectiveness of the current Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) network, establishing teams of experts in specific technology/supply chains, offering multiple services and deep expertise through the national MEP network.

This Request For Information (RFI) seeks comments relating to four primary issue areas regarding the M-TACs that are further defined herein: (1) technology transition and commercialization tools and services that should be provided by M-TACs; (2) M-TAC roles relating to supply chain needs; (3) potential business models for M-TACs; and (4) M-TAC performance and impact metrics. In addition, NIST seeks comments relating to other critical issues that NIST should consider in its strategic planning for future M-TAC investments. To view the full RFI/FRN, please click here.

Comments are due on or before 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 22, 2013. Comments will be accepted by e-mail only. Comments must be sent to diane.henderson@nist.gov with the subject line “M-TAC RFI Comments.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) For questions regarding this Request for Information, please submit them to Diane Henderson @ diane.henderson@nist.gov.

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The Department of Defense (DOD) released funding announcements to help establish and sustain two new manufacturing innovation institutes in the areas of lightweight and modern metals manufacturing and digital manufacturing and design. DOD intends to commit up to $70 million for each institute, with at least a 1:1 cost share ($70 million over five years) of non-federal funds from the recipient organizations. Proposals for both awards are restricted to domestic nonprofit organizations, but applicants are encouraged to partner with local small businesses, institutions of higher education and government entities.

Administered by the Office of Naval Research, the proposed $70 million Lightweight and Modern Metals Manufacturing Innovation (LM3I) Institute will help advance the state of processing and fabrication technologies for lightweight and modern metals by facilitating the transition from basic/early research to full-scale production of associated materials, components and systems. To receive an invitation to submit a full proposal, an organization must first submit a concept paper, which is due August 9. Read the full announcement.

The U.S. Army Materiel Command also will be accepting proposals to establish and sustain a Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation (DMDI) Institute. Intended as a paradigm shift in the development, production and sustainment of complex systems, the DMDI Institute would support research and development efforts that address the life cycle of digital data interchanged among myriad design, engineering, manufacturing/maintenance systems and across a networked supply chain. Concept papers for the DMDI Institute are due August 5. Read the full announcement.

For more information, contact Heidi Sheppard at heidi.sheppard@nist.gov or 301-975-6975.

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This Small Business Administration solicitation is an opportunity for an MEP Center to partner with or act as a sub-recipient to small commercial consulting firm on this contract. Proposals are due on July 24, 2013.
The solicitation indicates what the contractor will perform:

1. Conduct a new—or expand an existing—supply chain analysis within a disrupted or at-risk regional manufacturing community, with specific analysis of high-potential small business nodes, which will identify, at a minimum:
   (A) Opportunities to expand nodes in which small businesses have a strong foothold; and
   (B) New segments and opportunities for small business integration into the supply chain.
2. Create one or a series of matchmaking events designed to integrate small businesses into the supply chain through opportunities identified in the analysis process.
   
   For a full description of the solicitation, click here. For more information, contact Heidi Sheppard at heidi.sheppard@nist.gov or 301-975-6975.

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The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is providing an opportunity for manufacturers to participate in its annual expert review on the MSSC National Production Standards. These Standards represent a common language and format for defining the industry-wide core technical competencies for front-line (entry-level through first line supervisory) work in manufacturing production. The NIST MEP network is encouraged to forward this opportunity to its manufacturers for their volunteer participation. The review of the standards is done principally through an electronic survey and will take about 40-60 minutes.

If you would like your clients to participate in this MSSC standards review, please have them notify Catherine Feeney, CPT Operations Coordinator, MSSC at cfeeney@msscusa.org or at 703-739-9000, ext. 2222. She will send them detailed instructions.

MSSC uses these industry-defined standards as the foundation for its Certified Production Technician (CPT) training and certification program. MSSC is the only national certification body accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under ISO Standard 17024 (Personnel Certification). Visit www.msscusa.org for more information on MSSC.

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As of July 11, 2013, the Green Suppliers Network (www.gsn.gov, www.greensuppliers.gov) can be found at www.e3.gov. This change comes as we are building opportunities within the E3 – or Economy, Energy, and Environment – framework to help communities, their small and mid-sized manufacturers, and manufacturing supply chains to be more sustainable and economically competitive.

For information about E3, please contact Ben Vickery at ben.vickery@nist.gov For information about GSN, please contact Brian Lagas at brian.lagas@nist.gov

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ReMaking America by Richard McCormack (2013)
America’s economic prosperity has always depended on its manufacturing base. Thus, new strategies must now be deployed to re-establish the sector that made America great. ReMaking America is the second volume on manufacturing edited by Richard McCormack, and includes a chapter on the manufacturing workforce by NIST MEP. With the right policies, the authors of this book argue, manufacturing will see a new dawn in America along with the wealth and growth opportunities needed to keep the American Dream alive. To obtain a copy, click here.

America's Manufacturing Workforce: Make or Buy?
This report, America’s Manufacturing Workforce: Make or Buy?, is intended to dispel the notion that an adequate supply of skilled employees is beyond the reach of American manufacturers. In fact, there are several choices that American manufacturers can make to ensure a pipeline of talent for the foreseeable future. However, manufacturers must be strategic in their thinking and rigorous in their execution of these options. With that in mind, America’s SMMs can fill their skilled worker gaps before they become insurmountable challenges. To read the report visit MEP's workforce page at http://www.nist.gov/mep/workforce.cfm or click here to download a copy.

Lots of Job Vacancies!
HTDC Vacancy Announcement: Executive Director & CEO
The High Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), an agency of the State of Hawaii, seeks an Executive Director & CEO. The Executive Director will serve as the administrative head of the corporation under the direction of the 11-member Board of Directors. This position plans and evaluates corporate direction, maintains general knowledge of trends and developments in the commercial high technology industry and the needs of high growth industry. To view the full vacancy description, click here.

NEPIRC Vacancy Announcement: Vice President of Consulting Operations
NEPIRC is seeking a Vice-President of Consulting Operations to create and maintain relationships with key accounts while also directing and coordinating the day-to-day activities of NEPIRC’s consulting operations, client programs, sales activities and regional initiatives. This individual will be directly responsible for the performance of all professional service delivery personnel, sales personnel, contracted sales representatives and part-time service delivery consultants and will have decision-making authority relative to those positions commensurate with that responsibility. To view the full vacancy description, click here.

SCMEP Vacancy Announcement: Manufacturing & Technical Specialist
SCMEP is currently seeking two specialist positions to join their staff of manufacturing professionals.

• Manufacturing Specialist: Interested candidate should possess a Bachelor of Science degree and have a combination of at least ten years of manufacturing and sales experience with proven results. Positions will be based out of Spartanburg and Greenville, SC.


• Technical Specialist: Interested candidates should possess a Bachelor of Science degree and have at least ten years of manufacturing experience with proven results; and need to be experienced with Lean Manufacturing, Six-Sigma and Quality Standards.

For more information about the positions please contact Chuck Spangler, SCMEP Chief Operating Officer at cspangler@scmep.org or 803-252-6976 x 1201.

Purdue University MEP Center Vacancy Announcement: Three Positions Available

• TAP Business & Industry Services Account Manager: The Business & Industry Account Manager will be responsible for selling and managing consulting projects that involve helping businesses reach their workforce and competitive needs through efficiency, growth and sustainability. For more information, click here.


• Marketing and Client Development Manager: The Marketing and Client Development Manager will support the MEP Center by promoting, directing and coordinating marketing activities and policies which will connect business to TAP-MEP. For more information, click here.


• Sales Research Project Manager: The Sales Research Project Manager will be responsible for generating opportunities in order to drive revenue growth within the MEP Center; working closely with other members of the Business Development Team to accomplish set goals. For more information, click here.

WVMEP Vacancy Announcement: Center Director
The West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, is seeking an Industrial Extension Agent who will serve as the Center Director for the West Virginia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (WVMEP). The Center Director is responsible for maintaining the vision, mission and core values for WVMEP as well as for defining, developing and directing center resources to achieve its strategic and operating goals. The position is accountable for the performance of all functions within the organization, including its funding and relationships with sponsors, partner organizations and government officials.

For more information, or to apply for this position, contact Patricia Huggins at pat.huggins@mail.wvu.edu | (304) 293-9381.

• NWMOC, MEP Center of Northwest Wisconsin, becomes UW-Stout Manufacturing Outreach Center. While their name has changed, their dedication to uncovering pathways to greater profitability and growth for small to mid-sized manufacturers will continue. “This simplified name will be easier to say and remember and will capitalize on the recognition the University of Wisconsin – Stout can bring’” said Randy Hulke, director of the UW-Stout Discovery Center, which includes the Manufacturing Outreach Center. Read Announcement

• Catching up with David Boulay President of the Illinois Manufacturing Extension Service, David Boulay, was featured in the Business Section of the Journal Star, a local Peoria, IL newspaper. Read Article

• Missouri Senator Roy Blunt congratulates WinTech for being MEP's Featured Manufacturer of the Week!  Read Tweet

• Read the Latest from the

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 Send us your News Clips! Email us at mepeblast@nist.gov

July 16- October 8, 2013
Go Global Webinar Series
In celebration of World Trade Month in May, U.S. Department of Commerce will launch a webinar series illustrating how U.S. businesses can expand into the global marketplace and reach the 95 percent of consumers outside the United States.The “Go Global” Webinar Series draws from trade expertise across the Administration to equip companies with the tools they need to start exporting or increase sales to new markets.

The following webinars will be held at 1:00PM EDT on the dates specified below:

• July 16, 2013: Finding buyers and making contacts
• July 30 & August 13, 2013: Trade Financing
• August 27, 2013: Documentation and shipping
• September 10 & 24, 2013: Understanding export regulations
• October 8, 2013: Avoiding and resolving problems

If you or your clients are interested in participating in any of the following complimentary webinars, please register at the U.S. Census Educational Resources Website. For questions, please contact Kari Reidy (Kari.Reidy@nist.gov | 301-975-4919)

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July 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM EDT
DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) Webcast
Learn how to use the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). Get acquainted with new features, tips and trick on accessing government solicitations. Becoming knowledgeable with DIBBS will allow your company access to:

• More business opportunities
• Easier process to submit quotes
• View and download important drawings
• Information on how to compete for long term contract opportunities

Webinar Link
Meeting Password: Welc0me1234!
Dial in number: 1-855-2720056
Meeting code: 332 219 0708
Contact: Samm Bowman | (301)975-5978

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NEW!! July 18, 2013 from 12:30 - 1:30 P.M. EDT
Credit for Manufacturers: An Introduction & Case Studies
Join PNC Bank for an complimentary educational Webinar discussing Credit for Manufacturers: An Introduction & Case Studies. This Webinar is being held at the request of NIST and several MEP Centers. It is designed to help MEPs gain a stronger understanding of how banks make manufacturing credit decisions, providing many examples to put everything into context.
Attendees will learn:

• How a bank evaluates loan requests
• What are the conventional lending products used by manufacturers
• Do’s and don’ts for using conventional lending products
• When SBA financing makes sense
• Case studies to help put everything into context

To register, visit PNC's website at www.pncwebinars.com/0718. Registration deadline is July 16, 2013.

If you have any questions, please contact Doug Devereaux at Doug.Devereaux@nist.gov| (301) 975-4744 or Clara Asmail at Clara.Asmail@nist.gov (301) 975-2339

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July 22- December 13, 2013
MEP Innovation Services / Training – 2013
The Black Belt training schedule for 2013 is listed below. If you would like to register, please email Kari Reidy with the name of the individual(s) you are registering and their proposed dates. Because NIST MEP is making a significant investment in the cost of this training we do expect that those registering are committed to this program and agree to complete their Black Belt certification within the 1 year time requirement.

Please read the updated policies, procedures and FAQs that are posted on MEIS. This document explains the changes and updated policies to the Black Belt certification program and will continue to be updated with the latest FAQs.

• July 22 - 26
• August 19 - 23;
• September 23 - 27;
• Remaining classes: October 21 - 25; November 11 - 15; and December 9 - 13

If you have any questions about the policies, about Black Belt certification, or to schedule training, please contact Kari Reidy at Kari.reidy@nist.gov| (301) 975-4919

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July 23-24, 2013
MEP Summer Regional Meeting
The second MEP regional meeting is scheduled for July 23-24 in Philadelphia, PA. The regional meeting is for center leadership and other relevant staff to discuss the status of the MEP system, changes in manufacturing, and how best to position the MEP in provide services going forward. These meetings provide MEP with the opportunity to ensure center staff are educated and aware of the latest tools, topics, and goals of the MEP system.

Some of the topics that will be covered at these meetings include:
1. Overview of the NIST MEP Strategic Plan
2. Update on the MEP System Collaboratory
3. Center and Project Impact Analysis
4. Market Industry Analysis & Outlook
5. Panel Discussion: Engaging a CEO in Transformational Dialog

In order to register, please click on the event link below. The event page will have additional information including meeting logistics, registration, draft agenda, etc. The registration fee will be $250/person.

July 23-24, 2013 – Philadelphia, PA (register here)

If you have any questions, please contact Kari Reidy at Kari.reidy@nist.gov| (301) 975-4919

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NEW!! July 24, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. EDT
Webinar: Opportunities in Energy Storage including Batteries for Transportation
SAVE THE DATE for a complimentary webinar from the Clean Energy Manufacturing Center. Speakers will address the energy storage/battery markets, current manufacturing opportunities and what it takes for a manufacturer to become a qualified supplier for the industry. Amongst the lineup of speakers will be someone from General Motors.

Webinar Link
Meeting Password: CleanEnergy123$
Dial in number: 1-855-2720056
Meeting code: 951 821 0226
For more information contact Linda Nielsen at 612.466.4506 or liindan@bgafoundation.org

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NEW!! July 25, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. EDT
Additive Manufacturing: Aerospace Applications
Todd Rockstroh of GE Aviation (GEA) will overview the various modes of additive manufacturing at GEA and highlight three GEA applications in development. One of the three applications is a complex fuel nozzle built in powder bed systems via Direct Metal Laser Melting (DMLM). The fuel nozzle is bill of material for the GE Leap engine and will reach production levels of over 40,000 per year by 2017. He will highlight the challenges of DMLM: rules of thumb for finding applications, material properties, certification, and process/quality control during processing.

Webinar Link
Meeting Password: AMwebinar7-25-13
Dial in number: 1-855-272-0056
Meeting code: 253 241 1643
Contact: Ben Vickery | (301)975-2954

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NEW!! July 29, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. EDT
Toyota Kata Webinar: What Does Success Look Like?
For over 15 years, NIST MEP has promoted Lean to assist U.S. manufacturers. Early on, it was much about the tools and, over time, the realization came that this “point solution” approach alone was not enough. To sustain Continuous Improvement gains, and have real cultural change, the “people” side of the equation needs to be included in equal measure and will require an Enterprise Transformation focused on Leadership, Culture and Tools. In this regard, the Toyota Kata components of Improvement and Coaching are a means for helping assure overall success by providing employees and executives with the means to develop the habits necessary to move progressively forward.

• Begin to understand that Toyota Kata is about changing habits and that proper habits are the key to PDCAs (or Fail Fast, Fail Cheap)
• Hear how Toyota Kata is being utilized to affect successful and sustained continuous improvement and transform cultures
• Learn about upcoming Toyota Kata events featuring MEP Center staff

Webinar Link
Meeting Password: Katajuly2013!@
Dial in number: 1-855-272-0056
Meeting code: 837 899 6276
Contact: Brian Lagas | (301)975-5043

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NEW!! July 31, 2013 from 1:00 - 2:30 P.M. EDT
Patent Webinar Series: The 411 on Do It Yourself Patenting
Given the high costs around intellectual property procurement this webinar is focused on providing some basic tools of the trade when pursuing DIY intellectual property protection. Hear from experienced individuals who have endeavored in the art of “Pro Se” and learn when to seek the guidance and help of legal expertise. Presenting the webinar are Brian Gildea, Executive Director of IP & Licensing BU Technology Department, and Elizabeth Doughtery, Director of Inventor Education for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Registration Link
Contact: Clara Asmail | (301)975-2339

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September 18, 2013 @ 2:00PM EDT
Energy Management Resources for Manufacturers From ENERGY STAR Webinar
Most of us recognize ENERGY STAR as the symbol of energy efficiency. But, did you know ENERGY STAR has tools and resources that you can use to help manufacturers manage energy? Join us for a webinar on September 18, 2013 at 2:00 pm Eastern to learn about these free tools, how manufacturers are making use of them, and how you can take advantage of them to help other manufacturers cost-effectively improve the energy efficiency of their operations.

Date and Time: September 18, 2013 @ 2:00PM EDT
Webinar Link
Password: EnergyStar1$
Dial in number: 1 (855) 272-0056
Conference Code: 253 241 1643

For questions about Energy Star, please contact Betsy Dutrow (Dutrow.Elizabeth@epa.gov | 202-343-9061. For questions about this upcoming Webinar, please contact Ben Vickery (ben.vickery@nist.gov | 301-975-2954).

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